France: The Overlooked Power Shaping the Indo-Pacific

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France, a country with immense importance in the geopolitical structure, with a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, a nuclear power, and in global geopolitics, is often overlooked in the Indo-Pacific region. However, France not only plays an important role in the region but also holds the potential to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific. With its overseas territories, military presence, and strong partnerships, France holds the second-largest exclusive economic zone in the world, with 1.65 million French citizens living in its Indo-Pacific territories. [i]

These territories include Mayotte, Réunion, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands in the Indian Ocean, as well as French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna in the Pacific. [ii] This geographical presence of France in geostrategic locations makes it a key player in the Indo-Pacific. [iii] And it’s strong military presence in the region, with 7,000 personnel stationed across the Indo-Pacific, including 4,100 troops in the Indian Ocean and 2,900 in the Pacific Makes it a major power. [iv] However, as in Europe, it cannot provide the same level of economic, political, and military support in the Indo-Pacific.

But in recent years, France actively participates in joint military exercises such as RIMPAC, Talisman Sabre, and Balikatan, while also leading its own drills, including La Perouse and Croix du Sud. [v] It has strengthened defense ties with key regional players such as India, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, and enhanced its influence. France has taken advantage of its strategic partnership with India, a key player in the Indo-Pacific.

The India-France Strategic Partnership was established in 1998, spanning defence, maritime security, and technology cooperation. [vi] Over the years, this partnership has expanded beyond its initial scope. France supplies India with advanced military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpène submarines. The two nations also conduct joint naval patrols and intelligence-sharing operations, deepening their security cooperation. [vii]

Beyond security, France focuses on economic and environmental collaboration. It invests in regional infrastructure through the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, offering sustainable alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. During the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France, both countries agreed to revive the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which not only impacts Europe but also serves as an alternative to China's BRI presence in the region. [viii] France also works closely with India on climate change efforts, including the International Solar Alliance and the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership.

France’s relationship with China remains complex. Paris remains wary of China's assertive actions in the South China Sea and the broader region. However, France continues to engage with China on climate change and economic cooperation.

France’s Indo-Pacific strategy blends military strength, economic investment, and environmental leadership. By offering regional nations an alternative to U.S.-China rivalry, France is quietly shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and trying to establish itself as a third pole in the region’s geopolitical landscape. [ix]

[i] Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The Indo-Pacific: A priority for France. French Government. Retrieved from https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/en_a4_indopacifique_synthese_rvb_cle068e51.pdf

[ii] Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. France’s Indo-Pacific strategy summary. French Government. Retrieved from https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/regional-strategies/indo-pacific/the-indo-pacific-a-priority-for-france/

[iii] Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). France: A bridge between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. https://www.csis.org/analysis/france-bridge-between-europe-and-indo-pacific

[iv] French Embassy in the United States. (2019). France and security in the Indo-Pacific. https://franceintheus.org/IMG/pdf/France_and_Security_in_the_Indo-Pacific_-_2019.pdf

[v] Naval News. (2024, February). France to join Balikatan joint military exercise in the Philippines. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/france-to-join-balikatan-joint-military-exercise-in-the-philippines/

[vi] Embassy of India, Paris. India-France bilateral relations.  https://www.eoiparis.gov.in/page/bilateral-brief/#:~:text=Launched%20on%2026%20January%201998,strong%20and%20enhanced%20bilateral%20cooperation.

[vii] Seth, M. (2022). India-France ties. Indian Foreign Affairs Journal, 17(3/4), 222-232. Prints Publications Pvt Ltd.  https://www.jstor.org/stable/48772511

[viii] Press Information Bureau, India Government of India. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2102247

[ix] Reuters. (2023, April 10). Macron criticised for saying Europe should take independent stance on Taiwan. https://www.reuters.com/world/macron-criticised-saying-europe-should-take-independent-stance-taiwan-2023-04-10/